Gemotions

"No party," the words echoed in Leo's head, the cancellation email still open on his laptop screen. He sat at his desk, staring blankly at the screen. The weeks of quiet excitement. The secret planning with his friends. The little details, from the music playlist to the cake flavor. It was all canceled.

He got up and walked over to the window, the city lights twinkling in the distance. The energy, the vibrancy, of the city outside seemed in stark contrast to the hollow feeling within him. He thought of his late wife, and how she would have loved a party. He felt hollow, as if a part of his soul had been pulled away.

He picked up a framed picture of them both, smiling, from his desk. He traced his finger along her face, remembering her laugh. He felt a sting in his eyes.